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New-look Sixers fall to Dallas

Young has big game a day after big names left team in trades

By Marc Narducci

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted:
02/21/2014 11:29:57 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA >> Forward Thaddeus Young tried valiantly, but couldn't mask his disappointment. As the 76ers head to the top of lottery, Young acted like somebody who lost out on the Powerball jackpot after expecting to cash in.

This was the first day after the 76ers roster was gutted for a series of nondescript players and a bundle of second-round picks.

And now the 25-year-old Young, the only remaining Sixer from their last playoff team — all the way back in 2011-12 — was putting up a brave front. His disappointment, however, at being on a team with the NBA's second-worst record, was evident.

Before the Sixers suffered their 10th consecutive loss during Friday night's 124-112 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks before 14,928 at the Wells Fargo Center, Young was asked if he felt left out, having to stay on the team while Spencer Hawes, Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen were dealt away.

"I am not going to lie, a little bit," said Young, who had 30 points on a career-high 29 shots, 13 rebounds and a career-high six assists. Dallas was led by perennial all-star Dirk Nowitzki who had 25 points, hitting 9 of 10 from the field and all five three-point attempts.

To his credit, Young talked about being more than a leader and insisted his effort wouldn't wane.

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"It is definitely one of those things that is hard to deal with but I feel I am strong enough to deal with that situation and be ready each and every night," Young said.

Then a little bit more honestly came through.

"This situation, I don't know how much worse it can get," he said.

And it's not just on the court. For Monday's home game against the only team with a worse record, the Milwaukee Bucks, tickets on Stub-Hub could be purchased for as little as $6.

The usually tough fans seem to be taking it a little easy on the Sixers. Maybe it's the sense that this is an overmatched unit that is trying its best.

And with NBA's suffocating salary cap, some teams have to suffer a free-fall before moving up.

During Thursday's trade deadline the Sixers acquired five players and six second-round picks. One of those players, Earl Clark, has already been waived.

Two of the other players, guard Eric Maynor and Cleveland center Henry Sims arrived but didn't play. Maynor, acquired from Washington in a three-team trade that also included Denver, was actually happy to be in Philadelphia.

"I get to go somewhere I can play and that is all I want to do: play basketball," Maynor said. "I didn't look where the team is in the standings. I see a bunch of young guys that are trying to bring something over here so I am all for it.

The others who have yet to arrive are former NBA all-star Danny Granger from Indiana, along with L.A. Clippers center Byron Mullens.

Coach Brett Brown and general manager Sam Hinkie said they were interested in meeting with Granger and seeing his intentions. Most likely going from an NBA championship contender to a cellar dweller, isn't on Granger's wish list.

It may not be on Young's either, but it doesn't matter at this point.

"This year has been a very tough year so far," Young said. "You try to make the best of the situation by going to the gym and trying to get better each day."